Your body needs fuel to recover after a workout. When you don't eat after exercise, your body may struggle to:
- Replenish glycogen stores: Glycogen is the primary fuel source for your muscles during exercise. Without replenishing glycogen stores, you may experience fatigue, muscle soreness, and slower recovery.
- Repair muscle tissue: Exercise causes microscopic tears in your muscle fibers. Protein is essential for repairing these tears and building stronger muscles.
- Boost your metabolism: Exercise increases your metabolic rate, which helps you burn more calories even at rest. Eating after exercise can help sustain this elevated metabolism.
- Maintain energy levels: Without proper nutrition, you may feel tired and sluggish, making it harder to perform your daily activities.
While it's not always necessary to eat immediately after a workout, it's best to consume a balanced meal or snack within 2-3 hours to support your body's recovery process.
